Hole in Firewall- Power Amp Install

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Hole in Firewall- Power Amp Install #814677 05/27/07 10:42 PM

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 9

Milwaukee, WI

datadog

Need a Spot

I'm installing a power amp underneath the back steat of my 91 LWB Montero. To save me some time, can anyone tell me where the best hole in the firewall is to fish the 8 gauge 12 volt+ cable through to the battery area (passenger side)? I need to get the cable from the battery area to the back seat area, so if you have any suggestions on the cable path, that would be helpful.

Down the right side under the carpet? Left side? down the middle?

Thanks ....the Doobie Brothers are getting anxious to start rockin out in my rig!

80' CJ7
91' Montero LWB
73' VW THING frame off restoration

Re: Hole in Firewall- Power Amp Install [Re: datadog] #814678 05/27/07 11:18 PM

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 6,332

In the beer cooler

52degrees

Trail Leader

I'd run it all the way back through a frame rail, then up through the tail-light grommet.

1990 Montero RS (In pieces... for now)

KG6VNX

Re: Hole in Firewall- Power Amp Install [Re: 52degrees] #814679 05/28/07 06:50 AM

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 7,458

Montero Ranch

rxinhed

Trail Leader

There should be a 1/2"(ish) grommet below the battery and above the passenger footwell that enters the cabin just below the computer. I just removed such power wires from the 87 Montero I have for sale, 4-door should still be similar. I'm a fan of routing this type of wire inside to keep it from the elements. Then follow the harness to the rear seat area.

1987 Raider - Roxy
1988 Mighty Max 2.6L Turbo - Pearl
1997 Mountaineer V8 - Freddy
2000 Excursion V10 - Freya

Re: Hole in Firewall- Power Amp Install [Re: rxinhed] #814680 05/28/07 06:36 PM

Joined: May 2000

Posts: 3,281

Vancouver, BC, Canada

don

Roll Me Over

Use a sharpened coat-hanger wire to punch (carefully!) through the rubber wiring dam behind the battery, then route behind dash, and under the carpet alongside the tranny hump, and exit between the carpet sections at the back seat footwell, or through one of the rear deck carpet openings used by the rear seat hinge mech.

The rubber dam will seal the wire pretty good.

Keep the wire inside.

Oh yeah: put an inline fuse at the battery end, don't run an unfused length of wire into the cab.

Don `87 Mitsu 2dr, Rubicon survivor, GModified.

Re: Hole in Firewall- Power Amp Install [Re: rxinhed] #814681 05/31/07 03:36 PM

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 264

Lawrence, KS

Liquid_force Offline

Mudrunner

Quote

There should be a 1/2"(ish) grommet below the battery and above the passenger footwell that enters the cabin just below the computer.

I have a '95 -- I assume it's pretty similar.

I just ran mine (also 8 ga) from the batt along the DS of the engine comp - then along the firewall - then through the grommet at the passenger's footwell.
From there to the kick panel, under both door sills and into the cargo area (my amp is behind the back seat).

Pretty easy power wire run compared to the other cars I've dealt with.

Dec '07 purchase -- '99 Sport LTD 3.5L SOHC - 139k, now 188k
'95 Montero LS 206k+ (traded)
New DD - '99 Taurus SHO 95k - V8's are fun <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Re: Hole in Firewall- Power Amp Install [Re: Liquid_force] #814682 05/31/07 05:28 PM

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 21

Los Angeles, California

MonkeyProof Offline

Need a Spot

running the power wire through the firewall is always the hard part of an install. well, for me anyways. if you are daring you can drill your own hole in a portion of the firewall that is unobstructed by anything in the way and use a rubber gromment so the sharp edges wont tear any portion of the powerwire. also use some silicone sealent around the gromment. once you get going with your project it will be easier then you think.

here is where i have both my amps installed
[Linked Image]

"STOP or I'LL RELEASE MY DOG!"

Re: Hole in Firewall- Power Amp Install [Re: MonkeyProof] #814683 05/31/07 05:36 PM

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 21

Los Angeles, California

MonkeyProof Offline

Need a Spot

almost forgot, i ran the powerwire down the center tucked inside the center console and then under the carpet towards the the back

"STOP or I'LL RELEASE MY DOG!"

Moderated by 4x4Wire, Macka, Mudraider, off-roader, PHIL_, rxinhed

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